2025 Toyota Sienna models sold in the US will now feature an Advanced Rear Seat Reminder, a millimeter-wave radar that detects movement in the vehicle and sends alerts to notify the driver.
The Advanced Rear Seat Reminder uses a 60GHz radar sensor mounted on the vehicle’s headliner. This sensor scans a defined area to detect movement in second- and third-row seats.
If it senses movement after the ignition has been turned off, the driver’s door has been opened then closed, and the vehicle has been locked, the system will flash the hazard lights and sound the door lock chime. If the sensor still detects movement 90 seconds after the initial warning, it will sound the horn as part of the escalation warning.
Additionally, if the driver has registered for Safety Connect and opted in for reminder notifications via the Toyota app, four minutes after the escalation warning starts, the vehicle can send a push notification along with an SMS text message to the mobile number saved in the user’s account. Following this, and after an additional two minutes, the user will receive an automated phone call.
If the vehicle is not locked, the car will not chime, flash hazards or sound the horn. But, if the driver has registered for Safety Connect and opted into Advanced Rear Seat Reminder notifications via the Toyota app, a push notification and SMS message will be sent to the registered phone and Toyota app.
The Advanced Rear Seat Reminder first previewed as a concept in 2022. The millimeter-wave radar is unique from ultrasonic systems as it is higher resolution in its movement sensing and may detect movement under objects such as a blanket. It can also accurately sense occupants in low-light scenarios in contrast to camera-based interior monitors.
The Advanced Rear Seat Reminder’s Toyota mobile app will remain active for customers for up to 10 years or through the life of 4G connectivity.
